INTRODUCTION:This study aimed to assess perioperative bleeding complications and in-hospital mortality in patients requiring emergency general surgery presenting with a history of antiplatelet (AP) versus direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) versus warfarin use. METHODS:A prospective observational study across 21 centers between 2019 and 2022 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older, and DOAC, warfarin, or AP use within 24 hours of an emergency general surgery procedure. Outcomes included perioperative bleeding and in-hospital mortality. The study was conducted using analysis of variance, χ 2 , and multivariable regression models. RESULTS:Of the 413 patients, 221 (53.5%) reported AP use, 152 (36.8%) DOAC use, and 40 (9.7%) warfarin use. The most common indications for surgery were obstruction (23% [AP], 45% [DOAC], and 28% [warfarin]), intestinal ischemia (13%, 17%, and 23%), and diverticulitis/peptic ulcers (7%, 7%, and 15%). Compared with DOAC use, warfarin use was associated with significantly higher perioperative bleeding complication (odds ratio [OR], 4.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0-9.9]). There was no significant difference in perioperative bleeding complication between DOAC and AP use (OR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.4-1.1]). Compared with DOAC use, there was no significant difference in mortality between warfarin use (OR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.2-2.5]) or AP use (OR, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.2-1.2]). After adjusting for confounders, warfarin use (OR, 6.3 [95% CI, 2.8-13.9]), medical history, and operative indication were associated with an increase in perioperative bleeding complications. However, warfarin was not independently associated with risk of mortality (OR, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.39-4.7]), whereas intraoperative vasopressor use (OR, 4.7 [95% CI, 1.7-12.8]), medical history, and postoperative bleeding (OR, 5.5 [95% CI, 2.4-12.8]) were. CONCLUSION:Despite ongoing concerns about the increase in DOAC use and lack of readily available reversal agents, this study suggests that warfarin, rather than DOACs, is associated with higher perioperative bleeding complications. However, that risk does not result in an increase in mortality, suggesting that perioperative decisions should be dictated by patient disease and comorbidities rather than type of AP or anticoagulant use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Damage control laparotomy (DCL) has a high risk of SSI and as an attempt to mitigate this, surgeons often leave the skin open to heal by secondary intention. A recent retrospective study showed that DCL wounds could be closed with the addition of wicks or incisional wound vacs with acceptable rates of wound infection. The aim of this prospective trial was to corroborate these results.This is a prospective multicenter observational trial performed by 7 institutions from July 2020 to April 2022. Adult patients who underwent DCL and fascia/skin closure with the addition of wicks or an incisional wound vac were included. Patients who died within seven days of DCL were excluded. Demographics, mechanism of initial presentation, wound classification, antibiotics given, surgical site infections, procedures performed, and mortality data was collected. Fisher's Exact test was used for categorical data and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for continuous data. Mean days to closure was assessed using Student's t-test for independent groups. P-values <0.05 were considered indicative of statistical significance.Over the 21-month period, a total of 119 patients analyzed. Most patients were male (n=66, 63%), and the average age was 51 years. The average number of days the abdomen was kept open was 2.6. A majority of the DCLs were performed on acute care patients (n=76, 63.8%) and 92 patients (77.3%) had a wound classification of contaminated or dirty. Most of the patients’ skin was closed with wicks in place (68.9%). There was a 9.8% infection rate in patient's skin closed with wicks versus 16.2% closed with an incisional wound vac (p=0.361).Although the wick group had a higher proportion of class III and IV wound types, patients primarily treated with wicks had a lower risk of wound infection compared to those treated with incisional wound VACs; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

Background: Anti-inflammatory effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing trauma endotheliopathy may protect from acute lung injury. Clinical data showing this benefit in trauma patients is lacking. We hypothesized that TXA administration mitigates pulmonary complications in penetrating trauma patients. Materials and Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study of adults (18+ years) with penetrating torso and/or proximal extremity injury presenting at 25 urban trauma centers. Tranexamic acid administration in the prehospital setting or within three hours of admission was examined. Participants were propensity matched to compare similarly injured patients. The primary outcome was development of pulmonary complication (ARDS and/or pneumonia). Results: A total of 2382 patients were included, and 206 (8.6%) received TXA. Of the 206, 93 (45%) received TXA prehospital and 113 (55%) received it within three hours of hospital admission. Age, sex, and incidence of massive transfusion did not differ. The TXA group was more severely injured, more frequently presented in shock (SBP < 90 mmHg), developed more pulmonary complications, and had lower survival (P < 0.01 for all). After propensity matching, 410 patients remained (205 in each cohort) with no difference in age, sex, or rate of shock. On logistic regression, increased emergency department heart rate was associated with pulmonary complications. Tranexamic acid was not associated with different rate of pulmonary complications or survival on logistic regression. Survival was not different between the groups on logistic regression or propensity score-matched analysis. Conclusions: Tranexamic acid administration is not protective against pulmonary complications in penetrating trauma patients.

Sulaj, Anisa; Chau, Terence; Delic, Justin; Igneri, Lauren; Soyoung Kim, Kristi; Sensenig, Rachel; Goldenberg-Sandau, Anna Author Information

INTRODUCTION:Our previous work demonstrated that use of ShotSpotter (SS), a gunfire detection system, and use of police department (PD) transport decreased response and transport time for gunshot wound (GSW) victims versus events with non-ShotSpotter (NSS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate transport trends and how they are linked to SS in the period of 2016-2021 in Camden, NJ. METHODS:This was a single-center, retrospective observational study. Demographics, response time, transport time, and clinical data were collected. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and linear regression to correct for transport time and method of transport were used to compare outcomes (P < 0.05). RESULTS:A total of 267 GSWs were included: 77 emergency medical technicians (EMS)-SS, 41 EMS-NSS, 116 PD-SS, and 33 PD-NSS. When comparing response from 2016 to 2021, PD improved from 4 to 2 min (P = 0.001). EMS improved from 6.4 min (EMS-NSS) and 4.5 min (EMS-SS) to 5 min (EMS- NSS) and 4 min (EMS-SS) (P = 0.281). In addition, PD transport times, 5 min (SS) and 4 min (NSS), were faster than EMS, 9 min (SS and NSS) (P < 0.001). Overall PD transport volume increased with a peak in 2020 (68.3%). There was also an increase in PD-NSS transport 4% to 37.9% (P < 0.001). EMS-SS transport decreased from 54.7% to 6.9% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:The presence of SS technology in a small urban setting continues to be associated with a higher rate of PD transport of GSW victims. The critical time of dispatch and transport for both PD and EMS has shown durable improvement.

BACKGROUND:The benefit of targeting high ratio fresh frozen plasma (FFP)/red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in pediatric trauma resuscitation is unclear as existing studies are limited to patients who retrospectively met criteria for massive transfusion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of high ratio FFP/RBC transfusion and the association with outcomes in children presenting in shock. METHODS:A post hoc analysis of a 24-institution prospective observational study (April 2018 to September 2019) of injured children younger than 18 years with elevated age-adjusted shock index was performed. Patients transfused within 24 hours were stratified into cohorts of low (<1:2) or high (≥1:2) ratio FFP/RBC. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and χ 2 were used to compare characteristics and mortality. Competing risks analysis was used to compare extended (≥75th percentile) ventilator, intensive care, and hospital days while accounting for early deaths. RESULTS:Of 135 children with median (interquartile range) age 10 (5-14) years and weight 40 (20-64) kg, 85 (63%) received low ratio transfusion and 50 (37%) high ratio despite similar activation of institutional massive transfusion protocols (low-38%, high-46%, p = 0.34). Most patients sustained blunt injuries (70%). Median injury severity score was greater in high ratio patients (low-25, high-33, p = 0.01); however, hospital mortality was similar (low-24%, high-20%, p = 0.65) as was the risk of extended ventilator, intensive care unit, and hospital days (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Despite increased injury severity, patients who received a high ratio of FFP/RBC had comparable rates of mortality. These data suggest high ratio FFP/RBC resuscitation is not associated with worst outcomes in children who present in shock. Massive transfusion protocol activation was not associated with receipt of high ratio transfusion, suggesting variability in MTP between centers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Mahoney, Eric J. MD, FACS; Bugaev, Nikolay MD; Appelbaum, Rachel MD; Goldenberg-Sandau, Anna DO; Baltazar, Gerard A. DO, FACOS, FACS; Posluszny, Joseph MD; Dultz, Linda MD; Kartiko, Susan MD; Kasotakis, George MD, MPH, FACS, FCCM; Como, John MD; Klein, Eric MD, FACS Author Information

Introduction: While benzodiazepines (BZD) are the standard of care therapy for the management alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), phenobarbital (PHB) is often used as an alternative agent. The objective of this study is to assess the use of PHB therapy for the management of AWS in trauma-surgical intensive care unit (TSCU) patients. Materials and methods: This is an institutional review boardeapproved single-center, retrospective study conducted at a large academic medical center. Patients aged >= 18 y admitted to the TSCU receiving PHB therapy for primary management of AWS were included. The primary outcome evaluated was the incidence of AWS-related complications (AWSRC) defined as severe agitation, delirium tremens, or seizures following initiation of PHB. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of oversedation and duration of mechanical ventilation. Results: Sixty patients were included in this study. AWSRC following initiation of PHB occurred in 65% of patients. Median time to initiation of PHB (42 versus 18 h, P = 0.001) and rates of oversedation (79.5% versus 28.6%, P < 0.001) were significantly greater among patients who experienced AWSRC compared to those who did not. Univariate analysis revealed use of BZD therapy for >= 24 h prior to PHB initiation, time from hospital admission to PHB initiation >= 24 h, presence of AWS symptoms at baseline, and baseline MINDS score > 6 were risk factors for AWSRC. Conclusions: Delays in initiation of PHB appear to be associated with an increased risk for developing AWSRC. Further research is needed to identify an optimal dosing strategy for TSCU patients at high risk for severe AWS. (C) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND:While direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use is increasing in the Emergency General Surgery (EGS) patient population, our understanding of their bleeding risk in the acute setting remains limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of perioperative bleeding complications in patients using DOACs versus warfarin and AP therapy requiring urgent/emergent EGS procedures (EGSPs).METHODS:This was a prospective observational trial, conducted between 2019 and 2022, across 21 centers. Inclusion criteria were 18 years or older, DOAC, warfarin/AP use within 24 hours of requiring an urgent/emergent EGSP. Demographics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. ANOVA, χ 2 , and multivariable regression models were used to conduct the analysis.RESULTS:Of the 413 patients enrolled in the study, 261 (63%) reported warfarin/AP use and 152 (37%) reported DOAC use. Appendicitis and cholecystitis were the most frequent indication for operative intervention in the warfarin/AP group (43.4% vs. 25%, p = 0.001). Small bowel obstruction/abdominal wall hernias were the main indication for operative intervention in the DOAC group (44.7% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.001). Intraoperative, postoperative, and perioperative bleeding complications and in-hospital mortality were similar between the two groups. After adjusting for confounders, a history of chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; p = 0.015) and indication for operative intervention including occlusive mesenteric ischemia (OR, 4.27; p = 0.016), nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (OR, 3.13; p = 0.001), and diverticulitis (OR, 3.72; p = 0.019) were associated with increased perioperative bleeding complications. The need for an intraoperative transfusion (OR, 4.87; p < 0.001), and intraoperative vasopressors (OR, 4.35; p = 0.003) were associated with increased in-hospital mortality.CONCLUSION:Perioperative bleeding complications and mortality are impacted by the indication for EGSPs and patient's severity of illness rather than a history of DOAC or warfarin/AP use. Therefore, perioperative management should be guided by patient physiology and indication for surgery rather than the concern for recent antiplatelet or anticoagulant use.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level III.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in clinical and resuscitation characteristics between injured children with and without severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and aimed to identify resuscitation characteristics associated with improved outcomes following sTBI. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study of injured children younger than 18 years (2018-2019) transported from the scene, with elevated shock index pediatric-adjusted on arrival and head Abbreviated Injury Scale score of >= 3. Timing and volume of resuscitation products were assessed using chi(2) t test, Fisher's exact t test, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 142 patients with sTBI and 547 with non-sTBI injuries. Severe traumatic brain injury patients had lower initial hemoglobin (11.3 vs. 12.4, p < 0.001), greater initial international normalized ratio (1.4 vs. 1.1, p < 0.001), greater Injury Severity Score (25 vs. 5, p < 0.001), greater rates of ventilator (59% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement (79% vs. 27%, p < 0.001), and more inpatient complications (18% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001). Severe traumatic brain injury patients received more prehospital crystalloid (25% vs. 15%, p = 0.008), >= 1 crystalloid boluses (52% vs. 24%, p < 0.001), and blood transfusion (44% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) than non-sTBI patients. Among sTBI patients, receipt of >= 1 crystalloid bolus (n = 75) was associated with greater ICU need (92% vs. 64%, p < 0.001), longer median ICU (6 vs. 4 days, p = 0.027) and hospital stay (9 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001), and more in-hospital complications (31% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.003) than those who received <1 bolus (n = 67). These findings persisted after adjustment for Injury Severity Score (odds ratio, 3.4-4.4; all p < 0.010). CONCLUSION: Pediatric trauma patients with sTBI received more crystalloid than those without sTBI despite having a greater international normalized ratio at presentation andmore frequently requiring blood products. Excessive crystalloidmay be associatedwith worsened outcomes, including in-hospitalmortality, seen among pediatric sTBI patientswho received >= 1 crystalloid bolus. Further attention to a crystalloid sparing, early transfusion approach to resuscitation of children with sTBI is needed.

BACKGROUND Police transport (PT) of penetrating trauma patients in urban locations has become routine in certain metropolitan areas; however, whether it results in improved outcomes over prehospital Advanced life support (ALS) transport has not been determined in a multicenter study. We hypothesized that PT would not result in improved outcomes. METHODS This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study of adults (18+ years) with penetrating trauma to the torso and/or proximal extremity presenting at 25 urban trauma centers. Police transport and ALS patients were allocated via nearest neighbor, propensity matching. Transport mode also examined by Cox regression. RESULTS Of 1,618 total patients, 294 (18.2%) had PT and 1,324 (81.8%) were by ALS. After matching, 588 (294/cohort) remained. The patients were primarily Black (n = 497, 84.5%), males (n = 525, 89.3%, injured by gunshot wound (n = 494, 84.0%) with 34.5% (n = 203) having Injury Severity Score of 16 or higher. Overall mortality by propensity matching was not different between cohorts (15.6% ALS vs. 15.0% PT, p = 0.82). In severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score ≥16), mortality did not differ between PT and ALS transport (38.8% vs. 36.0%, respectively; p = 0.68). Cox regression analysis controlled for relevant factors revealed no association with a mortality benefit in patients transported by ALS. CONCLUSION Police transport of penetrating trauma patients in urban locations results in similar outcomes compared with ALS. Immediate transport to definitive trauma care should be emphasized in this patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level III.

Introduction: Whole blood (WB) has gained popularity in trauma resuscitation within the past 5 y. Previously, its civilian use was limited due to advances in blood component fractionation and fears of hemolysis and infectious disease transmission. Although there are studies and review articles on the efficacy of WB, the analysis of cost pertaining to the use of WB is limited.& nbsp;Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective 1:1 propensity-matched analysis of 280 subjects comparing trauma patients receiving resuscitation with blood component therapy (BCT) to those receiving WB plus BCT between January 2014 and July 2019. WB was used for patients who arrived in hemorrhagic shock with systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg due to either penetrating or blunt trauma. Endpoints included the number of units of WB, packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets, and cryoprecipitate each patient received. Institution costs for each component were compared in the form of price ratios. Comparisons were made using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests with a P value of <= 0.05 considered statistically significant.& nbsp;Results: The use of WB was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the number of PRBCs used when compared to BCT. This holds true with the cost of PRBCs being lower among the WB group when the price is controlled. Similarly, a trend was found where FFP, platelets, and cryoprecipitate use and cost showed an absolute decrease between WB and BCT groups. The use of WB is associated with decreased total cost as well (P =& nbsp;0.1660), although not statistically significant.& nbsp;Conclusions: Adding WB to BCT for trauma resuscitation was associated with lower red blood cell use and cost. A similar trend was found that absolute total cost and absolute cost of FFP, platelets, and cryoprecipitate use was lower when WB was added. WB wastage was minimized due to repurposing WB into PRBCs when WB lifespan ended. (C)& nbsp;2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND:The treatment of rhabdomyolysis remains controversial. Although there is no question that any associated compartment syndrome needs to be identified and released, debate persists regarding the benefit of further therapy including aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation (IVFR), urine alkalization with bicarbonate, and the use of mannitol. The goal of this practice management guideline was to evaluate the effects of bicarbonate, mannitol, and aggressive intravenous fluids on patients with rhabdomyolysis.METHODS:A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing treatments in patients with rhabdomyolysis was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was applied to assess the quality of evidence and to create evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of bicarbonate, mannitol, and aggressive IVFR in patients with rhabdomyolysis.RESULTS:A total of 12 studies were identified for analysis. On quantitative analysis, IVFR decreased the incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) and need for dialysis in patients with rhabdomyolysis. Neither bicarbonate nor mannitol administration improved the incidence of acute renal failure and need for dialysis in patients with rhabdomyolysis. Quality of evidence was deemed to be very low, with the vast majority of the literature being retrospective studies.CONCLUSION:In patients with rhabdomyolysis, we conditionally recommend for aggressive IVFR to improve outcomes of ARF and lessen the need for dialysis. We conditionally recommend against treatment with bicarbonate or mannitol in patients with rhabdomyolysis.

Pham, Christine1; Chuang, Linda2; Igneri, Lauren3; Goldenberg-Sandau, Anna2; Sensenig, Rachel2; Chau, Terence3; Solomon, Diana4 Author Information

BACKGROUND Multiple techniques describe the management of the open abdomen (OA) and restoration of abdominal wall integrity after damage-control laparotomy (DCL). It is unclear which operative technique provides the best method of achieving primary myofascial closure at the index hospitalization. METHODS A writing group from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature regarding OA management strategies in the adult population after DCL. The group sought to understand if fascial traction techniques or techniques to reduce visceral edema improved the outcomes in these patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was utilized, meta-analyses were performed, and an evidence profile was generated. RESULTS Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, the use of fascial traction techniques was associated with improved primary myofascial closure during the index admission (relative risk, 0.32) and fewer hernias (relative risk, 0.11.) The use of fascial traction techniques did not increase the risk of enterocutaneous fistula formation nor mortality. Techniques to reduce visceral edema may improve the rate of closure; however, these studies were very limited and suffered significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSION We conditionally recommend the use of a fascial traction system over routine care when treating a patient with an OA after DCL. This recommendation is based on the benefit of improved primary myofascial closure without worsening mortality or enterocutaneous fistula formation. We are unable to make any recommendations regarding techniques to reduce visceral edema. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level IV.

BACKGROUND The Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) was recently validated as an accurate mortality risk calculator for emergency general surgery. We sought to prospectively evaluate whether ESS can predict the need for respiratory and/or renal support (RRS) at discharge after emergent laparotomies (EL). METHODS This is a post hoc analysis of a 19-center prospective observational study. Between April 2018 and June 2019, all adult patients undergoing EL were enrolled. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were systematically collected. In this analysis, patients were excluded if they died during the index hospitalization, were discharged to hospice, or transferred to other hospitals. A composite variable, the need for RRS, was defined as the need for one or more of the following at hospital discharge: tracheostomy, ventilator dependence, or dialysis. Emergency Surgery Score was calculated for all patients, and the correlation between ESS and RRS was examined using the c-statistics method. RESULTS From a total of 1,649 patients, 1,347 were included. Median age was 60 years, 49.4% were men, and 70.9% were White. The most common diagnoses were hollow viscus organ perforation (28.1%) and small bowel obstruction (24.5%); 87 patients (6.5%) had a need for RRS (4.7% tracheostomy, 2.7% dialysis, and 1.3% ventilator dependence). Emergency Surgery Score predicted the need for RRS in a stepwise fashion; for example, 0.7%, 26.2%, and 85.7% of patients required RRS at an ESS of 2, 12, and 16, respectively. The c-statistics for the need for RRS, the need for tracheostomy, ventilator dependence, or dialysis at discharge were 0.84, 0.82, 0.79, and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSION Emergency Surgery Score accurately predicts the need for RRS at discharge in EL patients and could be used for preoperative patient counseling and for quality of care benchmarking. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiological, level III

BACKGROUND Prehospital procedures (PHP) by emergency medical services (EMS) are performed regularly in penetrating trauma patients despite previous studies demonstrating no benefit. We sought to examine the influence of PHPs on outcomes in penetrating trauma patients in urban locations where transport to trauma center is not prolonged. We hypothesized that patients without PHPs would have better outcomes than those undergoing PHP. METHODS This was an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma–sponsored, multicenter, prospective, observational trial of adults (18+ years) with penetrating trauma to the torso and/or proximal extremity presenting at 25 urban trauma centers. The impact of PHPs and transport mechanism on in-hospital mortality were examined. RESULTS Of 2,284 patients included, 1,386 (60.7%) underwent PHP. The patients were primarily Black (n = 1,527, 66.9%) males (n = 1,986, 87.5%) injured by gunshot wound (n = 1,510, 66.0%) with 34.1% (n = 726) having New Injury Severity Score of ≥16. A total of 1,427 patients (62.5%) were transported by Advanced Life Support EMS, 17.2% (n = 392) by private vehicle, 13.7% (n = 312) by police, and 6.7% (n = 153) by Basic Life Support EMS. Of the PHP patients, 69.1% received PHP on scene, 59.9% received PHP in route, and 29.0% received PHP both on scene and in route. Initial scene vitals differed between groups, but initial emergency department vitals did not. Receipt of ≥1 PHP increased mortality odds (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.83; p = 0.04). Logistic regression showed increased mortality with each PHP, whether on scene or during transport. Subset analysis of specific PHP revealed that intubation (OR, 10.76; 95% CI, 4.02–28.78; p < 0.001), C-spine immobilization (OR, 5.80; 95% CI, 1.85–18.26; p < 0.01), and pleural decompression (OR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.33–10.28; p = 0.01) had the highest odds of mortality after adjusting for multiple variables. CONCLUSION Prehospital procedures in penetrating trauma patients impart no survival advantage and may be harmful in urban settings, even when performed during transport. Therefore, PHP should be forgone in lieu of immediate transport to improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic, level III.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between timing and volume of crystalloid before blood products and mortality, hypothesizing that earlier transfusion and decreased crystalloid before transfusion would be associated with improved outcomes. METHODS A multi-institutional prospective observational study of pediatric trauma patients younger than 18 years, transported from the scene of injury with elevated age-adjusted shock index on arrival, was performed from April 2018 to September 2019. Volume and timing of prehospital, emergency department, and initial admission resuscitation were assessed including calculation of 20 ± 10 mL/kg crystalloid boluses overall and before transfusion. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models identified factors associated with mortality and extended intensive care, ventilator, and hospital days. RESULTS In 712 children at 24 trauma centers, mean age was 7.6 years, median (interquartile range) Injury Severity Score was 9 (2–20), and in-hospital mortality was 5.3% (n = 38). There were 311 patients(43.7%) who received at least one crystalloid bolus and 149 (20.9%) who received blood including 65 (9.6%) with massive transfusion activation. Half (53.3%) of patients who received greater than one crystalloid bolus required transfusion. Patients who received blood first (n = 41) had shorter median time to transfusion (19.8 vs. 78.0 minutes, p = 0.005) and less total fluid volume (50.4 vs. 86.6 mL/kg, p = 0.033) than those who received crystalloid first despite similar Injury Severity Score (median, 22 vs. 27, p = 0.40). On multivariable analysis, there was no association with mortality (p = 0.51); however, each crystalloid bolus after the first was incrementally associated with increased odds of extended ventilator, intensive care unit, and hospital days (all p < 0.05). Longer time to transfusion was associated with extended ventilator duration (odds ratio, 1.11; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Resuscitation with greater than one crystalloid bolus was associated with increased need for transfusion and worse outcomes including extended duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization in this prospective study. These data support a crystalloid-sparing, early transfusion approach for resuscitation of injured children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, level IV.

BACKGROUND:The Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) was recently developed and retrospectively validated as an accurate mortality risk calculator for emergency general surgery. We sought to prospectively validate ESS, specifically in the high-risk nontrauma emergency laparotomy (EL) patient.METHODS:This is an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter prospective observational study. Between April 2018 and June 2019, 19 centers enrolled all adults (aged >18 years) undergoing EL. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were prospectively and systematically collected. Emergency Surgery Score was calculated for each patient and validated using c-statistic methodology by correlating it with three postoperative outcomes: (1) 30-day mortality, (2) 30-day complications (e.g., respiratory/renal failure, infection), and (3) postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission.RESULTS:A total of 1,649 patients were included. The mean age was 60.5 years, 50.3% were female, and 71.4% were white. The mean ESS was 6, and the most common indication for EL was hollow viscus perforation. The 30-day mortality and complication rates were 14.8% and 53.3%; 57.0% of patients required ICU admission. Emergency Surgery Score gradually and accurately predicted 30-day mortality; 3.5%, 50.0%, and 85.7% of patients with ESS of 3, 12, and 17 died after surgery, respectively, with a c-statistic of 0.84. Similarly, ESS gradually and accurately predicted complications; 21.0%, 57.1%, and 88.9% of patients with ESS of 1, 6, and 13 developed postoperative complications, with a c-statistic of 0.74. Emergency Surgery Score also accurately predicted which patients required intensive care unit admission (c-statistic, 0.80).CONCLUSION:This is the first prospective multicenter study to validate ESS as an accurate predictor of outcome in the EL patient. Emergency Surgery Score can prove useful for (1) perioperative patient and family counseling, (2) triaging patients to the intensive care unit, and (3) benchmarking the quality of emergency general surgery care.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Prognostic study, level III.

Introduction: Major venous injury (MVI) affecting the lower extremity can result in subsequent amputation. The contribution of intraoperative resuscitation efforts on the need for amputation is not well defined. We hypothesized that intraoperative large volume crystalloid resuscitation (LVCR) increases the risk of amputation after MVI, while massive transfusion (MT) does not. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with infrarenal MVI from 2005 to 2015 at seven urban level I trauma centers. The outcome of interest was the need for secondary amputation. Results: 478 patients were included. 31 (6.5%) patients with MVI required amputation. LVCR(p <0.001), combined arterial/venous injury (p = 0.001), and associated fracture (p = 0.001) were significant risk factors for amputation. MT did not significantly increase amputation risk (p = 0.44). Multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that patients receiving >= 5L LVCR(aOR (95% CI): 9.7 (2.9, 33.0); p <0.001), with combined arterial/venous injury (aOR (95% CI):3.6 (1.5, 8.5); p = 0.004), and with an associated fracture (aOR (95% CI):3.2 (1.5, 7.1); p = 0.004) were more likely to require amputation. Conclusion: Patients with MVI who receive LVCR, have combined arterial/venous injuries and have associated fractures are more likely to require amputation. MT was not associated with delayed amputation. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.